Hofmeister kink

The Hofmeister kink (sometimes also translated Hofmeister kick, German: Hofmeisterknick) is an automobile design feature seen on modern BMWs. It is a low forward bend in the C-pillar of the car, which is the piece of metal that separates the rear side windows from the rear glass. The kink formally debuted [http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/Uniquely/Design/SignatureElements.aspx BMW USA website (click on Hofmeister kink)] ] on the 1961 BMW 1500 at the 1961 Frankfurt Motor Show and was later named after then-BMW director of design, Wilhelm Hofmeister. [ [http://www.channel4.com/4car/ft/feature/retrospective/1178/6 Channel 4 (UK) retrospective, see image caption and first paragraph] ]

Apart from its pleasing visual effect, the Hofmeister kink is said by BMW to subtly highlight the fact that all BMW models have rear-wheel drive (or all-wheel drive biased to the rear).

Note that this design feature is not unique to BMW models. Similar C-pillar kinks have appeared on cars of other brands both before 1961 and since. For example, the 1951 Kaiser shows a considerable "Hofmeister kink" in its greenhouse design. However, the term "Hofmeister kink" is usually only used in reference to BMW automobiles, as it has become a distinctive styling cue used across all BMW model series.

See also

* Saab hockey stick - a similarly unique styling cue of modern Saab automobiles.

References